January 2007

January 12, 2007

"If we had had the money for this offseason, we probably would be sitting here with the same result we have right now anyway in terms of the free agent market...I don't think there are any contracts out there that we look at and say, 'Oh, if we had the money, we would've paid that and given that many years.' [So we're trying to get creative by offering contracts to a bunch of dead guys.]"(Jim Bowden, via The F'Burg Free Lance Star, 01/11/2007)"

Bowden looks to add another stiff to the mix

According to multiple sources outside of the organization, the Nationals have offered knuckleballer Joe Niekro (who died at 61 in October) a Minor League contract.

Niekro (above) unavailable for comment.

Rotation shaping up as: John Patterson and a boatload of question marks -- including a handful of washed up journeymen, a dead guy or two, several former can't-miss prospects, several former can-miss prospects, lots of surgically repaired shoulders, and a bunch of rookies. And possibly Tony Armas.

January 11, 2007

"That's an insult to me. Come on? What did I want to do, just be a token or a ceremonial-type guy? I don't need that. I have too much to offer...I'm done with them. I have nothing against the organization per se. It's two people that I'm concerned with: Jim and Stan." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 01/11/2007)

Jim and Stan Lied to Frank about his future with the club, plain and simple.

(at least, that's what Frank would have you believe)

On Tuesday, The Nationals Enquirer reported that the Nationals had offered Old Frank a job with the Nat Pack (even though he is not a gymnast, dancer, cheerleader, or woman). It gets worse -- not only was the Hall of Famer NOT offered a position with the Nat Pack, he wasn't offered a paying job with the club -- just a round-trip plane ticket and cab fare to Space Coast Stadium, and the chance to hang around, you know, "help out" at Spring Training (unpaid).

"We are going to see if the laser eye surgery that Guzzie had is going to work and if he is back to his days in Minnesota. We will probably give him a shot to be the second hitter."(Manny Acta, via Nationals.com, 01/10/2007)

Disaster: Acta already waving the white flag for '07.

Nook Logan in center, Guzman in the #2 hole.

How about baby steps? Like, giving "Guzzie" a shot to be the #8 hitter?

Ryan Church forced to compete for a job with Escobar and Kasto Casto. Talk about disrespect...

(Photo of Guzman by David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated. Photo of Nook Logan by Julie Jacobson/AP)

January 10, 2007

"Alfonso is a happy guy now. He has been blessed. He's just thrilled with the baby, so now he's ready for spring training to start. Add to the mix getting over-payed by the Cubs AND getting the hell out of Washington, he couldn't be happier!"(Diego Bentz, via Chicago Tribune, 01/02/2007)

Ex-Nat Alfonso Soriano and wife Angelica celebrate the start of the New Year with the arrival of a baby boy.

Keeping up with the trend of stockpiling Dominican kids, the Nationals are reportedly pursuing baby Angel Soriano (seen favoring his left hand shortly after delivery) aggressively, according to multiple sources outside of the organization.

According to multiple sources outside of the organization, the Nationals have offered three-time All-Star Johnny Sain (who died at 89 in November) a Minor League contract (terms reportedly similar to deal offered to Tony Armas Jr.)

January 09, 2007

"I think I had a lot to offer them and could’ve offered them and I guess they don’t see it that way. I’m not interested in that, not at this time...Just to show up to spring training and put on the uniform and be around—to be a goodwill-type guy. I’m not ready for that now."(Frank Robinson, via The Free Lance Star, 1/09/2007)

"I don’t feel like this organization has extended an open arms welcome to me even though they said they want to honor me. It doesn’t make me feel like it would be pleasant to have me around for a day." (Frank Robinson, via The Free Lance Star, 1/09/2007)

As always, keep those e-mails coming to Nationals.com, and we'll keep copying and pasting them over here and giving our half-assed answers. Thanks a bunch.

Do you think the signing of Robert Fick was a good move? He said he feels he can get at least 300 at-bats this year.-- Jason D., Tustin, Calif.

Not only was it a good move, it was the ONLY move this offseason.

I am happy to hear the Nationals selected Flores from the Mets in the Rule 5 Draft. He has a lot of tools and could become a solid everyday catcher. Yet, he still needs time to develop, and if he doesn't stay on the roster, the Nationals have to send him back. Do you think general manager Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta will find a way to keep him? What does this mean for guys like Brandon Harper and Brian Schneider?-- Brian C., Potomac, Md.

We're happy about it too. And yes, it seems they'd want to keep Flores around no matter what -- maybe even turn to him for long relief.

Ryan Church does need work on hitting the curveball. But don't all players have a weakness? The reason he did not play was Frank Robinson just did not like him. Let the new manager judge him. Church has the tools.-- David, Lompoc, Calif.

Oh, shut up you big crybaby. Church may have the tools, but you are a tool. Get over it.

Everybody wants to talk about Church. What about Cristian Guzman? He has been a waste of money for the Nats. Should we get Ian Desmond ready for a call-up?-- Kyle W., Richmond, Va.

Not everybody wants to talk about Church -- I don't. In fact, I'm tired of talking about Church. All I wanted for Christmas was for Bowden to trade Church so we could stop talking about Church. But no. Church is still here, and we're still talking about Church. As to your question about Guzman? You know, compared to 2005, last season was fairly productive for Guzman. If he stumbles out of the gate in '07, then sure, "we" can get Desmond ready for a call-up. Why not.

In spite of your reporting that Acta will give Church a shot at starting in the outfield, you continue to exclude him from your projected starting lineup. It seems clear that you have a low opinion of Church, regardless of what others think, including the new manager. Do you have some clairvoyant capabilities that the rest of us don't have? Just curious.-- Jerry S., Los Olivos, Calif.

Is Tomo Ohka the answer for the Nationals? I thought they would pursue a starter more like Joel Pineiro or Chris Reitsma.-- Josh, Columbia, Md.

Sad, isn't it? This season is going to be really awful.

Would the Nats have any interest in trading for Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras?-- Tim P., Springfield, Va.

How about Church for Taveras straight up??!

With Sammy Sosa poised for a comeback and the Nats lacking power hitters, are they likely to make him another offer, like last year?-- Steve H., Odenton. Md.

I hope so. It would be perfect.

With the need for backup middle infielders, any chance we could see the return of Jamey Carroll, who was recently tendered an offer by the Rockies?-- Dani H., Washington, D.C.

It wouldn't be a Mailbag without the token "Bring Back Jamey Carroll" letter. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Mailbag, which will be sure to include a few "Bring Back Brad Wilkerson" letters, too.

Now that Jose Vidro has been traded, is there anyone remaining on the roster with a no-trade clause? And do you think the Vidro trade drives team president Stan Kasten's message home even further about not giving players no-trade clauses?-- John L., Arlington, Va.

In no particular order: No and no.

A comment about a possible Chad Cordero trade:

While I could not have imagined saying this a year ago, I think if the Nationals can get two top pitching prospects or a big-league starter for Cordero, they should do it. You need starters to get you leads before a closer comes into play. Cordero regressed last year, and there is no promise he will maintain dominance as hitters figure him out.-- Rob B., Gaithersburg, Md.

A little birdie told us that Bowden will pull off some kind of a deal with the Red Sox for Wily Mo Pena + a young arm for Cordero before the start of Spring Training.